India, Oct. 16 -- The Supreme Court on Friday expressed hope that "better sense will prevail" amid protests in Delhi against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stressing the need to balance the right to protest with the livelihoods of small traders and daily-wage earners.

An SC bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the remarks while hearing a plea concerning the proposed gathering by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Central Park in Connaught Place.

The court said it hoped protesters, traders and authorities would find a way to accommodate their competing interests. The court also warned that it could award compensation if restrictions linked to the protests disproportionately...